Daily Current Affairs : 6-November-2023

In a groundbreaking study recently published in Nature, scientists made an unexpected discovery related to chondrocytes, the cells responsible for producing cartilage. Contrary to conventional wisdom, it was found that haemoglobin, traditionally associated with red blood cells (RBCs), also plays a crucial role in chondrocyte survival and function, challenging existing scientific beliefs.

Haemoglobin Bodies or ‘Hedy’: An Intriguing Phenomenon

The study introduced the concept of ‘Haemoglobin Bodies,’ or ‘Hedy,’ within chondrocytes, which are responsible for creating cartilage. These bodies were accidentally stumbled upon by a pathologist in China during research on growth plates. Remarkably, these structures, resembling RBCs, contained functional haemoglobin.

Discovery of Haemoglobin Bodies: A Fascinating Journey into Cartilage Biology
  1. Formation of Haemoglobin Bodies:
    • Haemoglobin bodies form within chondrocytes through a process akin to phase separation, similar to the separation of oil from water.
  2. Potential Implications for Joint Diseases:
    • The presence of functional haemoglobin in cartilage raises the possibility of its involvement in joint diseases, where defects in chondrocytes can lead to bone deformities.
Insights into Stem Cells and Haemoglobin: Unlocking New Avenues

In 2018, researchers made a parallel discovery related to stem cells in the growth plate, suggesting that haemoglobin in the growth plate might influence the fate and development of these stem cells. Stem cells are fundamental building blocks of the body, giving rise to specialized cells under specific conditions.

Significance of Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes: Ensuring Survival and Function
  1. Essential for Chondrocyte Survival:
    • Haemoglobin plays a vital role in chondrocyte survival. Experiments on mice revealed that the absence of haemoglobin in chondrocytes led to cell death and embryonic lethality.
  2. Coping with Low Oxygen Levels:
    • Haemoglobin assists chondrocytes in coping with low oxygen levels (hypoxia) by facilitating oxygen transport within the cells. Without haemoglobin, chondrocytes undergo hypoxic stress, impairing their normal functioning.
  3. Oxygen Reservoir and Release:
    • Haemoglobin acts as an oxygen reservoir within chondrocytes, storing and releasing oxygen as needed. Without haemoglobin, chondrocytes are unable to maintain adequate oxygen levels, leading to their demise.
Important Points:
  • Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes: A Surprising Discovery
    • Haemoglobin, traditionally associated with red blood cells, was found in chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage production.
    • Haemoglobin bodies, named ‘Hedy,’ were discovered within chondrocytes during research on growth plates.
    • These bodies form through a process similar to phase separation, resembling oil-water separation.
  • Potential Implications in Joint Diseases and Stem Cells
    • Functional haemoglobin in cartilage suggests its involvement in joint diseases where chondrocyte defects lead to bone deformities.
    • Haemoglobin in the growth plate may influence the fate and development of stem cells, opening new avenues for research.
  • Significance of Haemoglobin in Chondrocytes
    • Haemoglobin is essential for chondrocyte survival; its absence leads to cell death and embryonic lethality in experiments on mice.
    • It helps chondrocytes cope with low oxygen levels (hypoxia) by facilitating oxygen transport within cells.
    • Haemoglobin acts as an oxygen reservoir, releasing oxygen as needed; without it, chondrocytes can’t maintain oxygen levels.
  • Relevance to Medical Science
    • This discovery challenges existing understanding of cartilage biology, paving the way for innovative research in joint diseases and stem cell therapies.
    • Scientists exploring haemoglobin’s role in chondrocytes may revolutionize treatments and therapies related to cartilage and joint disorders.
Why In News

In a groundbreaking revelation published in Nature, it was serendipitously uncovered that chondrocytes, responsible for cartilage production and the connecting tissue between bones, not only produce but also depend on haemoglobin for their survival, challenging the traditional notion that haemoglobin is exclusive to red blood cells (RBCs).

MCQs about Haemoglobin’s Hidden Role

  1. What was the serendipitous discovery in the study published in Nature regarding chondrocytes?
    A. Chondrocytes exclusively produce cartilage.
    B. Chondrocytes form haemoglobin bodies.
    C. Haemoglobin is only present in red blood cells.
    D. Stem cells have no role in cartilage development.
    Correct Answer: B. Chondrocytes form haemoglobin bodies.
    Explanation: The study revealed that chondrocytes contain haemoglobin bodies, challenging the notion that haemoglobin is exclusive to red blood cells.
  2. What term is used to describe the structures discovered within chondrocytes that resemble red blood cells and contain haemoglobin?
    A. Cartosites
    B. Erythrosomes
    C. Haemoglobin bodies (‘Hedy’)
    D. Chondrospheres
    Correct Answer: C. Haemoglobin bodies (‘Hedy’)
    Explanation: The structures discovered within chondrocytes are referred to as ‘Haemoglobin bodies’ or ‘Hedy,’ .
  3. What potential implications does the study suggest regarding joint diseases?
    A. Joint diseases are unrelated to chondrocyte defects.
    B. Haemoglobin has no role in joint diseases.
    C. Chondrocyte defects may lead to bone deformities in joint diseases.
    D. Stem cells are the primary cause of joint diseases.
    Correct Answer: C. Chondrocyte defects may lead to bone deformities in joint diseases.
    Explanation: The presence of functional haemoglobin in cartilage raises the possibility of its involvement in joint diseases.

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